The Eight Best Food and Drink Events in Miami This Weekend

This weekend, R House channels the Greek Isles with a special Jackie O Mykonos dinner, James Beard-nominated chef Lindsay Autry debuts a limited-edition burger at Shake Shack, and Ariete in Coconut Grove celebrates its fourth anniversary. Plus, Villa Azur transforms into a speakeasy, and the annual NoMi Mac & Cheese Fest returns to Griffing Park.

Jackie O Mykonos Meets Miami Queens Kickoff Dinner

If you've summered in the Greek islands, you surely know Jackie O Mykonos, the hip seasonal hangout. This weekend, Jackie O comes to Miami with a series of events. To kick off the festivities, R House Wynwood will celebrate with a special Queens Dinner, hosted by Jackie O's resident queen — Priscilla — and R House's Athena Dion. R House exec chef/owner Rocco Carulli has created a special three-course family-style dinner for the occasion. The first course includes beef kofta, Greek heirloom tomato salad, and hummus with roasted peppers and pita. The second course includes grilled lemon chicken, grilled rosemary garlic lamb chops, sweet pea falafel, and roasted zucchini. Bite into baklava for dessert. 6:30 p.m. Friday, January 17, at R House, 2727 NW Second Ave., Miami; rhouswwyhwood.com. Dinner costs $65 per person and includes bottomless drinks and a drag show; email [email protected]. Admission to the show is free.

Shake Shack Collaboration With Chef Lindsay Autry

Shake Shack has teamed up with chef Lindsay Autry, a James Beard Award nominee and Top Chef finalist, to create the Autry Burger, a "Shack blend" burger topped with slow-roasted tomatoes, sharp cheddar, caramelized onions, and herb aioli. The limited-edition sandwich will be available at Shake Shack locations including Mary Brickell Village, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale through the weekend. Through Sunday, January 17, at various locations; shakeshack.com.

One-Night Speakeasy at Villa Azur

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Prohibition. And this Friday, January 17, the date the amendment went into effect a century ago, Villa Azur will transform into a speakeasy for one night. Step into the glitz and glam of the Roaring Twenties for the password-only party A Night at the Speakeasy. The entrance to the event will be hidden and unexpected, and guests must reserve a spot (tables, bar/lounge, or blackjack table) to receive the secret password the day of the event. Cocktails include the 1920s-inspired creation the Sidecar ($18), made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. 6:30 p.m. Friday, January 17, at Villa Azur, 309 23rd St., Miami Beach; 305-763-8688; villaazurmiami.com.

NoMi Mac & Cheese Fest at Griffing Park

Macaroni and cheese — it's easy to make but difficult to perfect. In honor of this cherished staple of American cuisine, North Miami will host the third-annual NoMi Mac & Cheese Fest. Chow down on local chefs' recipes or submit your own at the bake-off and get ready to hear the musical stylings of Doug E. Fresh, AKA the guy who invented beatboxing. What does that have to do with mac and cheese? The relevance remains unclear, but there'll be other local musicians and artists for your enjoyment as well. 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, January 18, in Griffing Park, 12220 Griffing Blvd., North Miami. Admission is free; bake-off entry fee costs $30 via eventbrite.com.

Ariete's Anniversary Party

This Sunday, Michael Beltran's Ariete will turn 4 years old, which calls for a celebration. Expect live music, special menus, drink specials, and free birthday cake. The annual party has become one of Coconut Grove’s most popular events, and this year, the team is kicking the festivities up a notch with a caja china and a dunk tank. Beginning at 11 a.m., the restaurant will serve caja china roast pork with black beans, maduros, and white rice ($14); the Chug burger ($18); a selection of fritas ($12); and a delicious breakfast sandwich ($13). Also available will be $10 select signature cocktails crafted by beverage director Bobby Gilardi. The restaurant’s brunch menu will be available in the dining room as well. The celebration will continue from 6 p.m. till closing in the dining room, where the restaurant will serve a special three-course family-style feast for $49 per person, featuring fan favorites and some special surprises. Also available will be a limited à la carte menu with signature items, including the famed pastrami-style short rib and pork chop. All diners will be treated to a complimentary slice of birthday cake made by executive pastry chef Devin Braddock. 11 a.m. Sunday, January 19, at Ariete, 3540 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove; 305-640-5862; arietecoconutgrove.com.

Bar Nancy's Yacht Rock Sundays

What is yacht rock? Picture this: It's 1981. You're on a large expensive boat out at sea, and you're listening to a mixtape of Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, and Christopher Cross. That is yacht rock, and its decadent imagery remains weirdly appealing in 2020. Don your nicest deck shoes and patterned shirt, and climb aboard this fantasy at Bar Nancy's Yacht Rock Sundays, hosted by DJs Juan Love and Alex "Captain G" Gutierrez of Yacht Rock Miami. Refreshments include grub from Monsieur Poutine and $6 drinks. 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday, January 19, at Bar Nancy, 2007 SW Eighth St., Miami; 305-397-8971; nancy305.com. Admission is free.

Pink Taco Opens in South Beach

Pink Taco, the Los Angeles-based restaurant with locations in Las Vegas, Chicago, and Boston, has opened in South Beach. The restaurant's menu includes Mexican fare such as lobster enchiladas topped with jack cheese, brandy-chipotle cream sauce, avocado salsa, pico de gallo, and Mexican crema ($22); grilled corn covered with cotija cheese, chipotle mayo, and chili powder ($7); and chili poppers served with salsa ranchera ($12). The beverage program at the South Beach spot includes beer, wine, margaritas such as Something Pink — a blend of Codigo 1530 blanco tequila and fresh prickly pear purée served in a branded Pink Taco souvenir glass ($18). 1200 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach; pinktaco.com.

Gables Chili Fest in Coral Gables

The return of Gables Chili Fest will bring civic, community, and religious groups together to make food and support U.S. veterans. Organizers invite attendees to bring their own chili con carne recipes for tasting to the sounds of live music from various acts. Expect beer as well as a handful of local food trucks which will peddle their fare. Consider this an excellent reason to eat home-cooked comfort food for a great cause. 11 a.m. Sunday, January 19, at 270 Catalonia Ave., Coral Gables; coralgableschilifest.com. Tickets cost $5 to $15.